Southgate says he plans to hand the Manchester City star freedom in midfield.
"Phil has played off the right or the left or in the middle. The key for Phil is where he ends up, not his starting position," Southgate explained.
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"When he starts on the left with City, he sometimes stays wide but is sometimes allowed to drift. Then it's about how you defend. Jude (Bellingham) has played as a ten but sometimes defends on the left wing for Real Madrid.
"We never pin our players to a touchline, that's not how we work. There is that freedom. It's obvious how brilliant Phil has been. You want him in those central areas. It's about finding the best way to make that happen."